2008 jk. How can I check engine temperature if I feel the gauge is not correct ? My temp gauge seems to be working. It goes from cold to center of dial after warmup. But, when I pull it into the garage it smells like it’s overheating.
Engine smells hot
- Thread starter Acxman
- Start date
Maybe it's your Catalytic Converters making the smell, look at them after shutting the engine off.
Alot of heat from the Cats, don't put your hands on them. Do you have a IR temp gun that you could check to see how hot they are?
Ask Santa for the JScan set up for your Jeep. About $60 for whole deal for one Jeep. Gives you tons of live data on your Jeep including engine temp. Probably the best tool I’ve ever bought. U can read codes, erase codes and many other features. You will be amazed. Definitely worth the price
The dash gauge is sort of a dummy gauge. It stays in the center based on a set value in the computer. Outside of those values then the gauge moves. If you have the EVIC you can scroll through the settings to see the various information, one being coolant temperature.
Another option is something like the below, we have one in each Jeep. There are about 70-80 gauges you can select from to display. I think you can gave 8 pages worth, I only I use 1 page with about 6 gauges. I’ve had the one for about 10 years and still works.
https://www.ultra-gauge.com/ultragauge/
Another option is something like the below, we have one in each Jeep. There are about 70-80 gauges you can select from to display. I think you can gave 8 pages worth, I only I use 1 page with about 6 gauges. I’ve had the one for about 10 years and still works.
https://www.ultra-gauge.com/ultragauge/
@BigAL07 is correct .
I started using JSCAN a couple
weeks ago . I now have bus loads
of Scandinavia women wanting to check
my Jeep and the Jscan app. Lol
Def worth it . Adjust all sorts of
parameters , reads codes, live
Infoi on temperature and a host
of other stuff .
I don't think the actual number is the issue. Basically, you need to let the engine run for 15-20 minutes, then while it's idling measure the temperature on both ends of the cat. The rear should be 50-100 degrees higher if it's working properly.
But if the question isn't "are my cats working", but rather "is my engine temp gauge accurate", aim your IR gun at the thermostat housing instead of the cats.
One thing to bear in mind about JScan et al is that they use the same sensors as the dash gauges. They just display it differently, generally in much more detail and with more numbers than the dash. So if there is a problem with your gauge, JScan will show it. If there is a problem with your sensor (which I think is far more common) then the numbers displayed by JScan will match your dash gauges. Because they're both reading the same (possibly faulty) data.
Thanks DD, This is exactly what I was looking for. If I shoot the temp on the t-stat, what readings should I be looking for.
Typically, normal operating temperature for an engine is 195-220F. Reading through the housing will likely make it read a little lower than a direct measurement, but it'll be close enough, especially given that your concern is for overheating.
I like Jscan for working on the Jeep to find things out, read codes etc. Unless I am wrong Jscan doesn’t keep the settings to monitor different functions for daily driving. I think you have to select the gauges / parameters every time you connect it. That’s why I have the ultragauge for daily driving and monitoring of different gauges. Start the jeep and poof they just show up.
I have never tried it, but I think you're right about JScan. It's clearly not intended to be a replacement for your gauges. I've got the Bulldog GT Platinum in the '13. It's came with a windshield mount. Sits right above the dash, in the lower left corner of the windscreen. Like the Ultragauge, it's intended to supplement your gauges.